Town Beach
Broome, Western Australia, 6725
While Town Beach isn’t Broome’s largest beach, it’s just a stone’s throw from the center of town. Popular with picnickers who lay out their spreads on grassy areas and public tables, the landscaped beach also draws visitors looking for the Staircase to the Moon, a local phenomenon whereby moonlight creates what looks like a staircase climbing the sky.
The basics
Spend a day at Town Beach swimming, eating, or checking out the mangroves nearby. The Broome Pioneer Cemetery, where you can find a grave dating back to 1883, is located here, too. Town Beach lies just across the street from the Broome Historical Society & Museum and the Staircase to the Moon Night Markets, which feature local dishes and live music on select nights from April to October. Visit during low tide, when the mudflats reveal World War II-era Catalina flying boats about an hour’s walk from the beach. (You can also visit the historic vessels on a hovercraft tour.) For a romantic experience, city sightseeing tours that stop at the beach during sunset are worth considering.
Things to know before you go
The beach has public restrooms, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, and a small water playground.
Make sure to wear sunscreen, as the sun in Australia can be particularly punishing.
Town Beach is ideal for families with kids.
How to get there
Town Beach is within walking distance from central Broome. From the Broome International Airport, it’s a 30-minute walk—but taxis are a better option. The Broome Explorer Bus runs hourly and half-hourly routes (depending on the season) directly to the beach.
When to get there
The best time to visit (and swim) is during the Australian dry season, roughly from May to October. Try to time your visit with the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon, which typically occurs during the full moon between March and October. For those interested in seeing the Catalina flying boats, contact the Broome Visitor Centre to learn the tidal schedule.
The Staircase to the Moon
The Staircase to the Moon draws visitors all along the Pilbara and Kimberley coastlines in northwestern Australia. Simply put, when a full moon rises over the exposed Roebuck Bay mudflats at low tide, it creates the impression of an illuminated staircase climbing to the moon. Town Beach is one of the best places to see the phenomenon, though you can also see it from the town of Onslow and viewing decks in Port Hedland and Point Samson, among others.
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